The end of June is a busy time for us as we celebrate two of our boys' birthdays. Lil' Chunkers turned two years old and Biggest Brother turned eleven this year.
First, Lil' Chunkers.
On the date of his birthday we had a low-key affair with bakery cupcakes for dessert.
As noted in his birthday speeches, he brings an incredible amount of joy to our family. I mean, look at this smile!
(he wanted me to take this picture and then grabbed the camera so he could see how he looked!)
Helping Dad with the car
On the seesaw
Hugging his dog balloon
Lil' Chunkers is probably the biggest aper among all of our children at this age. He'll often call up the stairs to one of the children just like Mommy does or he'll get a small piece of paper and a pen (or anything shaped like a pen or pencil) and pretend to write things down. He'll do calisthenics with the chickens in the movie Chicken Run or act out a variety of scenes from Chicken Run on the person standing closest to him. And he likes to go around the table touching each of us on the head to give us each a "blessing"--just as he's seen Daddy do on many a Shabbat. Oh, and he can turn just about anything into a "gun".
It's hard to believe that he's only been a part of our family for two years!
As for Biggest Brother, he chose to have dinner at Cracker Barrel on the date of his birthday. The fun began before we even went inside :-)
We had a great meal and the children loved looking through the toy area of the store.
We purchased a special "Air Walker" dog balloon for Lil' Chunkers since he loves all things dog!
For the first time ever I made an ice cream sandwich cake. It was very easy and very delicious. First, some ice cream sandwiches and then a layer of whipped topping.
Next, a layer of caramel. I made some homemade caramel (so easy--1/3 cup butter, 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream, and 1/2 cup brown sugar; bring to a boil and stir constantly for 2 minutes!) with a little bit of brown sugar (to give it caramel color) and fructose in place of the remaining sugar to lower the blood sugar impact of the cake.
After that, more ice cream sandwiches and then more whipped topping.
I added some sprinkles to give it a little more birthday flair.
Here's the Biggest Birthday Boy enjoying his meal (take 1)
(take 2)
(take 3--who's the girl with all the strange faces?!)
Success!
Biggest Brother ready for Birthday Speeches
Lil' Chunkers is ready too!
The girls giving their speeches
Reading the homemade card from Sissy Mom
There were gifts of dragons,
clothing from Nana and Papa,
rubberband powered airplanes,
Bible accounts in graphic novel form,
sweet pepper plants,
a new wheelbarrow from Grandma,
a genuine Swiss Army knife,
and a host of other gifts from the sibs, aunties, and great grandmas near and far!
Of course Nana arrived with presents for everyone--to Little Mama's delight!
The cake was a hit!
Right in the middle of the party Snow White showed up!
(Whoa--too much cake!)
There was great conversation,
great company,
and great music.
The birthday boys with Papa and Nana
One particularly large birthday card!
Eager to read the graphic novel version of the Samson account
It was noted in Biggest Brother's birthday speech that he is growing in the area of responsibility and therefore helpfulness. He helps Dad mow the yards every week and has learned to use the electric saw and the drill. He is such a gentle caretaker for Lil' Chunkers and knows just what will make his baby brother laugh or become happily distracted when distraction is needed. When he sets his mind to do something, he is very focused and driven. He's an avid reader and strategic game player (Axis and Allies anyone?). He is growing into a young man I love to talk and laugh with. Tom and I are thankful to the Lord to have received Biggest Brother as our first born son.
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